Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has lavished praise on Granit Xhaka.
The defensive midfielder has sometimes become a scapegoat among Gunners supporters.
However, Xhaka has always rallied after a poor spell at the club, and has been one of their key performers this season.
Asked about Xhaka during a press conference, Arteta said: “I think it’s more related, at least since I’ve been here and I know more about what happened in the past about the incidents you are talking about that have left some people disappointed or expecting a different reaction or not liking what happened.
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“We talk about what happened this season in terms of performances and consistency. I think he’s even better than last season.
“Certainly after the Burnley game I think he made another step forward and he’s played because he deserves to play.”
Asked to elaborate on Xhaka, he said: “Well on that left side he gives you something that he has unique qualities to do that, considering as well the qualities we have in our left back position with Kieran [Tierney]. And it’s good because they compliment each other really, really well.
“We can tweak it and do it in different ways but it’s not only about his qualities as a player but the character and the personality that he brings to the team every time he steps in.”